All about Tomodachi Daiko

Tomodachi Daiko, Inc., (TDI) was founded in the summer of 2000. Sachiko Kono and Miyuki Imai were encouraged by the Anchorage School District (ASD) World Language Coordinator Janice Gullickson to start a taiko program to enrich the Japanese Immersion Program and Anchorage community. Funds through an ASD-attained grant called Kachuko helped fund the group’s start.

Several people assisted in establishing Tomodachi Daiko Inc. (TDI) by helping to build the first Alaskan-made taiko drums and training the instructors. This credit goes to the Consulate General Tsujimoto; the San Francisco Taiko Dojo Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka, General Manager Mr. Ryuma Tanaka, Director Mrs. Heidi Varian, and David Gonzales. Since the group’s inception, TDI has learned many songs from the Tokyo-based Japanese taiko group Chokoma, whose leaders include Mr. Katsuo Suzuki, Mrs. Sachiko Fujiwara, and Mr. Naoyuki Furuta. In 2005, 2008, and 2013 Tomodachi Daiko has hosted a local joint taiko concert in collaboration with the Chokoma taiko group. These concerts have proven to be full of energy and very popular.

Mission Our Objective

The mission of TDI is to promote the traditional Japanese cultural, educational opportunities, and physical fitness using and performing with taiko drums. Our name, Tomodachi Daiko, means “Friends of Taiko Drumming.” It is also our mission to extend friendship and bring awareness of cultural diversity and traditional arts to our audience. Taiko drumming, a traditional Japanese art form dating back thousands of years, showcases unity in song, movement, and spirit with its power and energy. TDI teaches manners, respect, and self-discipline that is at the heart of Japanese culture while building taiko families and friendships that last a lifetime.

Last night we meet with our web designer Shawn Gants, owner of Computer Professionals Unlimited, and brought out the big drums. What an amazing new friend TDI has found through the art and love of Taiko! Shawn you are part of our family now and we look forward to your return!...

Our Team learning from the masters

Sachiko Kono, the current President of Tomodachi Daiko, Inc. born in Tokyo has been studying, teaching and sharing the fun of taiko since 2000. The founding member of Tomodachi Daiko, Sachiko thought taiko a fun way to introduce her Japanese language immersion students to an ancient Japanese art...

Toshifumi (Toshi) Kono, the current Board Member of Tomodachi Daiko, Inc. born in Tokyo, first started with Tomodachi Daiko nine years ago to help his wife, Sachiko. The group needed fue (the Japanese bamboo flute) player, a kane (the bell) player, another drummer – one thing led to the next –...

Mari Jones was trained by Chokoma and Dengakuza, and has attented Kodo workshops in Japan. Mari enjoys the high-energy, spirit and teamwork which embodies Tomodachi Daiko from class to stage. Mari believes taiko is of the entire world and can be enjoyed anywhere. Three of Mari's children are among the top...